Ahpra and the National Boards now have greater power when there are significant public safety concerns over unregistered practitioners who previously fell outside its remit, with the introduction of a new mechanism called interim prohibition orders (IPOs).
The measure by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) and National Boards is part of the latest suite of changes from the regulator that is ushering in its most significant reforms since the National Law since it came into effect in 2010.
Now, unregistered practitioners – including suspended practitioners – can be prevented from treating patients. Whether this has implications for non-Ahpra eyecare professionals such as orthoptists – which are self-regulated by the Australian Orthoptic Board – and optical dispensers is unknown, and Insight is seeking clarification on this.
Also, the public will also have more information about practitioners on the public register, including if they use an alternative name to practise.
The new changes complete a series of reforms to the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law agreed by all health ministers aimed at strengthening public protection and improving the operation of the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme. The other changes in the same package of amendments to the National Law started in October 2022 and May 2023.
Ahpra CEO Mr Martin Fletcher said powers to issue IPOs about unregistered practitioners were an important safeguard for the wider health system. Some state and territory health complaints bodies already have this power.
“These powers will only be used in exceptional circumstances, when it is deemed there is a very real risk to the health and safety of individual patients or the wider community,” he said.
“Whether people are consulting a registered practitioner or seeking help from a non-registered health worker, safe care relies on having trust and confidence in everyone involved.”
Other key changes beginning on 1 July 2024 include:
- establishing the process to renew a practitioner’s registration after a period of suspension has ended
- extending powers for National Boards to exclude information about a practitioner from the public register if including it would pose a serious risk to their health or safety, to also include risks to the practitioner’s family members or associates. This includes risks such as those stemming from family, domestic or other violence.
- Safety will also be strengthened by making it easier for members of the public to verify a practitioner’s registration, with both a practitioner’s legal name and alternative name (if being used in practice) able to appear on the register.
According to Ahpra, some practitioners prefer to practise under an alternative name, such as adopting a traditional name or an anglicised or shortened name. Having both names appear on public register will make it easier for the public to make informed decisions about their care.
Fletcher said completing the reforms would improve health regulation and public safety nationwide.
“Australia’s health system, as well as the reasons and ways people access it, has changed dramatically over the past 15 years,” he said.
“These reforms allow the regulation scheme to evolve, strengthening Ahpra and National Boards’ ability to protect the public and support practitioners.”
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